Des Moines Public Schools hopes to spend $7 million to $10 million to build a multipurpose stadium for their five high schools at the former former factory space just south of MLK Parkway.

"It would be something that's truly a community facility beyond just being a place for high school football or soccer or track meets," said Phil Roeder, with the Des Moines Public Schools.

While the central, downtown location is ideal for development, the Environmental Protection Agency has ruled the current condition is potentially hazardous.

The plant's former owners have for years been dealing with the aftermath of a 1976 chemical leak that contaminated the Des Moines water supply.

"Our first priority is always safety and so if there's any inkling that the site would be unsafe, we're not going to have any interest in it," Roeder said.

The district said even if it can't develop the land, officials hope their campaign for the stadium can send a message to the EPA.

"This is important to get some resolution to this so that whether its a high school stadium or some other development, something needs to happen here other than an empty factory sitting around for another 15 years," Roeder said.

This district said if the plan moves forward, it could take anywhere from two to 10 years to complete.